Teaching business

Alumna educates locals

Rebecca Sturm-Clauser, alumna of Liberty University, started Business eXpress in 2008, coaching businesses and individuals on everything from goal setting to employee development and team building.

“Business eXpress was a vision of mine after asking what I could do to help business grow in 2013,” Sturm-Clauser said. “Doors were closing, and the economy was showing no signs of return. I decided to give of my time and talents, so in January I held the first business eXpress with Abe Loper of Nobility Partners.”

Sturm-Clauser also wrote “The ABC’s of Success!”, a book about how to conduct a day-long workshop to help clients in a self-discovery process that makes positive change in their lives both professionally and personally. She is also a speaker presenting topics that provide solutions to the specific need of an organization or business.

“The Lord blessed me with a huge heart and the ability to be a speaker helping others in their successes,” Sturm-Clauser said. “I am also coaching Liberty students with organizational, conflict resolution and leadership skills. Much of my business tools came from my education here at Liberty University.”

According to Sturm-Clauser, she and her business partner Loper were the perfect duo to power up Business eXpress with their love of promoting partnerships with like-businesses.

“Business eXpress began with networking for 30 minutes over lunch with a workshop setting following at noon where participants gain valuable tools to use in their businesses, gaining success and increasing their bottom line,” Sturm-Clauser said.

Business eXpress meets the first Tuesday of every month from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The White Hart Cafe in downtown Lynchburg.

“This service is totally free to the participants, because I felt a need to give of my time to help make a difference in our business community,” Sturm-Clauser said. “I want others to succeed and pay it forward. More than 34 businesses have come through the eXpress. I have met some pretty awesome people and developed lasting relationships.”

Albert Billingsly, owner of a small insurance agency, said on the WDBJ7 local news that Rebecca Sturm-Clauser has helped him to see areas that he was not focusing on, and she has helped him build a business plan.

According to Sturm-Clauser, many local businesses have taken advantage of the workshop and have seen a positive outcome.

“Business eXpress provides excellent training with topics that are relevant to small business,” Debbie Montgomery, who works at Retail Merchants Association, Inc., said. “The relationships built during the process are long term and invaluable as we strive to provide support and promotion to other local businesses.”

Liberty students can attend and gain insight on business operations from local businesses as well as intern with a variety of businesses in the Central Virginia area, Sturm-Clauser said. There is also room for the students to attend this workshop.

“Business eXpress has provided value to my business by giving me access to business coaches and other entrepreneurs who have a wide variety of expertise and information,” Nadine Sneidar, Independent Avon representative, said.

According to Sturm-Clauser, students can learn alongside these business owners and receive the expertise advice for no fee. Business majors who are willing to share their own expertise are welcome to present as well. This workshop is also an opportunity to make connections with professional business owners and learn the reality of owning a business in today’s economy.